Even if you have enough for a down payment and closing costs, there is always a chance the furnace or AC goes out the first time you try to turn it on (typically this would be caught by an inspector), or some major damage happens that insurance doesn't cover.  

He has to prove damages and you haven't stated anything a judge would award damages over.Putting in insulation is a good investment for you long term. 

Quote from @Kathleen Park: I recommend you educate yourself on "ordinary wear-and-tear" vs damages, depreciation, and your state laws.Do yourself a favor: buy "Every Landlord's Legal Guide" by NOLO.

On new builds the maintenance is lower but there could still be damage.

You probably recoup the 5k in ARV, but Old North Milwaukee is an economically challenge neighborhood, so manage your expectations.Avoiding frequent turnover, tenants who don't pay, damage property or cause other issues is the name of the game to achive long term profitability.

Treble damages are available under the statute if its proven to be a pattern or practice. 

Hello BP community,I'm a landlord in California, and I'm dealing with a situation where my tenant is refusing to pay rent for the time during which mold repairs were being done due to water damage from a neighboring unit.

Use a screwdriver to poke at the sill plate to look for rot or termite damage.

Would you charge damages from the security deposit?

Here's some guidance on buying your first investment property in Southern California or Columbus, Ohio:Down payment:For investment properties, lenders typically require 15-30% down payment on your first investment15% down is possible with excellent credit (700+ score)20-25% down is more common, especially for multi-unit propertiesSection 8 considerations:Pros:Guaranteed portion of rent from governmentPotential for longer-term tenantsMay be easier to fill vacancies in some areasCons:More paperwork and inspections requiredRent amounts set by local housing authorityPotential property damage concernsOther tips:Research local markets carefully - price trends, rental rates, etc.Factor in all costs - taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacanciesConsider starting with a single-family home or small multi-unitBuild a team - real estate agent, property manager, contractorsHave cash reserves beyond just the down paymentUnderstand landlord-tenant laws in your chosen locationI'd recommend talking to local real estate agents in both areas to get more specific market insights.